Buffalo Bisons

This article is about the Minor League Baseball franchise in Buffalo, New York. For other uses, see Buffalo Bisons (disambiguation).

The Buffalo Bisons (known colloquially as the Herd) are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Located in Buffalo, New York, the team plays their home games at Sahlen Field, the highest-capacity Triple-A ballpark in the United States.

Buffalo Bisons
Founded in 1979 Buffalo, New York
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
Class	Triple-A (1985–present)
Previous classes	Double-A (1979–1984)
League	International League (1998–present)
Division	East Division
Previous leagues	American Association (1985–1997) Eastern League (1979–1984)
Major league affiliations
Team	Toronto Blue Jays (2013–present)
Previous teams	New York Mets (2009–2012) Cleveland Indians (1995–2008) Pittsburgh Pirates (1988–1994) Cleveland Indians (1987) Chicago White Sox (1985–1986) Cleveland Indians (1983–1984) Pittsburgh Pirates (1979–1982)
Minor league titles
League titles (3)	1997 1998 2004
Division titles (10)	1991 1992 1996 1997 1998 2000 2001 2004 2005 2021
Wild card berths (1)	2002
Team data
Name	Buffalo Bisons (1979–present)
Colors	Scarlet red, reflex blue, white[1]
Mascot	Buster T. Bison
Ballpark	Sahlen Field (1988–present)
Previous parks	Trenton Thunder Ballpark (2021) War Memorial Stadium (1979–1987)
Owner(s)/ Operator(s)	Robert E. Rich Jr.
President	Mike Buczkowski
General manager	Anthony Sprague[2]
Manager	Casey Candaele
Media	Radio: WWKB Streaming: MiLB.TV and Bally Live TV: WNYO (select games)
Website	milb.com/buffalo

The current Bisons organization was founded in 1979 and assumed the history of previous franchises that also used the Buffalo Bisons name, most notably the 1886–1970 Buffalo Bisons minor league franchise, and the 1879–1885 Buffalo Bisons major league franchise. The team established the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985 to honor former players, managers and contributors to baseball in Buffalo.

The team holds the all-time record for single-season attendance in Minor League Baseball, selling 1,240,951 tickets in 1991 while being considered for 1993 Major League Baseball expansion. Forbes valued the Buffalo Bisons at $34 million in 2016, making it the 15th-most valuable Minor League Baseball franchise.^[3]

History

Mayor James D. Griffin and an investment group purchased the Jersey City A's of the Double-A class Eastern League for $55,000 in 1978, and the team began play as the Buffalo Bisons at War Memorial Stadium in 1979.^[4] This new franchise assumed the history of prior Buffalo Bisons teams that had played in the city from 1877 to 1970. Robert E. Rich Jr. purchased the Bisons for $100,000 in 1983,^[5] and upgraded the team to the Triple-A class American Association in 1985 after buying out the Wichita Aeros for $1 million.^[6][7] Rich Jr. grew the team's popularity and was known for his innovative promotional tie-ins, most notably an annual series of post-game concerts by The Beach Boys.^[8]

The Buffalo Bisons moved to the $42.4 million Pilot Field (now Sahlen Field) in downtown Buffalo in the 1988 season. In their first year at the venue after moving from War Memorial Stadium, the Bisons broke the all-time record for Minor League Baseball attendance by drawing 1,186,651 fans during the 1988 season.^[9][10] The team won two division titles and set subsequent attendance records on the heels of their unsuccessful 1993 Major League Baseball expansion bid. The team's 1991 single-season attendance of 1,240,951 remains a Minor League Baseball record.^[11]

Buffalo Bisons hosting Nashville Sounds for their final game at War Memorial Stadium, August 1987

The Cleveland Indians replaced the Pittsburgh Pirates as Major League Baseball affiliate of the Buffalo Bisons prior to the 1995 season.^[12] The team won division titles in 1996 and 1997, and won the final American Association championship in 1997. Bartolo Colón threw the first no-hitter in franchise history on June 20, 1997 against the New Orleans Zephyrs.^[13]

In wake of the American Association disbanding following the 1997 season, the Bisons joined the International League in 1998. The team won the division and league championship in their first season, but lost the Triple-A World Series. The addition of regional rivalries allowed for the creation of the Thruway Cup, an annual competition between the Buffalo Bisons, Rochester Red Wings and Syracuse SkyChiefs.^[14] The Bisons went on to win division titles in 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, and the league championship at home in 2004.^[15]

The New York Mets replaced the Cleveland Indians as Major League Baseball affiliate of the Buffalo Bisons prior to the 2009 season.^[16] This era was plagued with poor on-field performance and low attendance.

Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons since 1988

The Toronto Blue Jays replaced the New York Mets as Major League Baseball affiliate of the Buffalo Bisons prior to the 2013 season.^[17] To kick off this era, the Bisons scored 27 runs on 29 hits against the Syracuse Chiefs on April 18, 2013, setting records for the most runs and hits in an International League game since 1973.^[18][19] The Blue Jays used Sahlen Field as their home field in 2020 after the Bisons season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, investing $5 million in upgrading the venue.

In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball and the closure of the International League, the Bisons joined the newly formed Triple-A East in 2021.^[20] Due to renovations at Sahlen Field as well as use of the stadium by the Blue Jays, the Bisons began their 2021 season at Trenton Thunder Ballpark in Trenton, New Jersey. At their home games, they wore the uniforms of the Trenton Thunder and were referred to as such, while on the road they were still known as the Buffalo Bisons.^[21][22]

With the reinstatement of the historical league names in 2022, the Bisons were returned to the International League.^[23]

Roster

Buffalo Bisons roster

• v
• t
• e

Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers  8 Andrew Bash 31 Jake Bloss * 23 Justin Bruihl 47 Jimmy Burnette 35 Lazaro Estrada 88 Braydon Fisher 38 Kevin Gowdy 15 Hayden Juenger 90 Adam Kloffenstein 58 Eric Lauer 51 Easton Lucas * 64 Adam Macko * 45 Tommy Nance 55 Connor Overton 26 Eric Pardinho 20 Anders Tolhurst 10 Trenton Wallace		Catchers 22 Christian Bethancourt 70 Phil Clarke  3 Ali Sánchez 24 Matt Whatley ~ Infielders 49 Leo Jiménez * 13 Orelvis Martinez * 37 Rainer Nunez  7 Damiano Palmegiani 54 Josh Rivera 16 Michael Stefanic  2 Riley Tirotta  4 Michael Turconi ~ Outfielders  0 Steward Berroa *  5 Jonatan Clase * 36 Joey Loperfido * 21 Will Robertson  1 Davis Schneider * 49 Daulton Varsho #*		Manager 11 Casey Candaele Coaches 41 Trevor Cho (assistant hitting) 87 Drew Hayes (pitching) 77 Henry Leake (assistant pitching) 34 Ryan Long (hitting) 14 Cesar Martin (bench) 81 Chris Schaeffer (coach) 60-day injured list -- Connor Cooke -- Chad Dallas -- Amir Garrett -- Josh Kasevich -- Luis Quinones -- Ricky Tiedemann 7-day injured list * On Toronto Blue Jays 40-man roster ~ Development list # Rehab assignment ∞ Reserve list ‡ Restricted list § Suspended list † Temporarily inactive list Roster updated April 25, 2025 Transactions → More rosters: MiLB • International League → Toronto Blue Jays minor league players

Alumni

Retired numbers

Jeff Manto

Number	Player	Retirement Date
6	Ollie Carnegie
25	Luke Easter
30	Jeff Manto	August 17, 2001
42	Jackie Robinson	April 15, 1997

National Baseball Hall of Fame members

Main article: List of members of the Baseball Hall of Fame

Player/Manager	Year Inducted	Years with the Bisons
Jim Thome	2018	1998
CC Sabathia	2025	2006

International League Hall of Fame members

Main article: International League Hall of Fame

Player/Manager	Year Inducted	Years with the Bisons
Jeff Manto	2014	1997–2000
Marc Bombard	2015	1992 (Manager)
Mike Hessman	2018	2010

Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame members

Main article: Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame

Terry Collins

Dave Clark

Matt Hague

Player/Manager[24]	Year Inducted	Years with the Bisons
Terry Collins	1992	1989–1991 (Manager)
Joe DeSa		1985–1986
Rick Lancellotti	1995	1979–1980
Steve Farr	1996	1980–1983
Dorn Taylor	1998	1988–1990
Torey Lovullo	2003	1995, 1997–1998
Jeff Manto		1997–2000
Tom Prince	2004	1988–1992
Rick Reed	2006	1988–1991
Bill Selby	2007	1998–2000, 2002
Dave Clark	2008	1984, 1987, 1992
Brian Graham		1995–1997 (Manager)
Carlos García	2009	1990–1992
Dave Hollins		2000–2001
Richie Sexson	2010	1997–1998
Tony Peña	2011	1979
Brian Giles	2012	1995–1996, 1998
Russ Morman		1985–1986, 1993
Dave Roberts	2013	1998–2001
Ernie Young		2004–2005
Greg Tubbs	2014	1991–1992, 1994
Eric Wedge		2001–2002 (Manager)
Chris Coste	2015	2000–2002
Greg LaRocca		2001–2003
Alex Ramírez	2016	1997–1999
Jason Jacome	2017	1997–1998
Mark Ryal		1985, 1990
Joe Roa	2018	1995–1996
Marty Brown		2003–2005, 2013 (Manager)
Ben Francisco	2022	2005–2008
Jhonny Peralta		2003–2004
Bob Patterson		1988–1989
Matt Hague	2023	2014–2015
Pete Filson		1986
Brandon Phillips	2024	2002–2005

All 25 Seasons Team (2012)

Bartolo Colón

Position	Player/Manager	Years with the Bisons
Manager	Terry Collins	1989–1991
Catcher	Tom Prince	1988–1992
First Base	Richie Sexson	1997–1998
Second Base	Brandon Phillips	2002–2005
Third Base	Russell Branyan	1999–2000, 2004, 2007
Shortstop	Jhonny Peralta	2003–2004
Outfield	Ben Francisco	2005–2008
	Brian Giles	1995–1996, 1998
	Alex Ramírez	1997–1999
Designated Hitter	Jeff Manto	1997–2000
Starting Pitcher	Bartolo Colón	1996–1997, 2000
	Rick Reed	1988–1991
	Dorn Taylor	1988–1990
Relief Pitcher	Fernando Cabrera	2004–2006, 2012
	Danny Graves	1995–1997, 2006

Season-by-season records

Season	League	Division	Manager	Regular Season				Postseason	Awards
				Finish	W	L	Win%
1979	EL		Steve Demeter	4th	72	67	.518	No playoffs held
1980		North		5th	67	70	.489	Lost semi-finals, 0–2 (Millers)
1981			Johnny Lipon	7th	56	81	.409	Did not qualify
1982			Tommy Sandt	8th	55	84	.396
1983			Al Gallagher	3rd	74	65	.532	Lost semi-finals, 0–2 (Sailors)
1984			Jack Aker	5th	72	67	.518	Did not qualify
1985	AA	East	John Boles	3rd	66	76	.465
1986			Jim Marshall	2nd	71	71	.500		Pete Filson (Most Valuable Pitcher) Robert E. Rich Jr. (CEO of the Year)
1987			Orlando Gómez Steve Swisher	5th	66	74	.471
1988		East	Rocky Bridges	3rd	72	70	.507		Robert E. Rich Jr. (CEO of the Year)
1989			Terry Collins	2nd	80	62	.563		Buffalo Bisons (Larry MacPhail Award)
1990				2nd	85	62	.578	Lost one-game playoff, 3–4 (Sounds)
1991				1st	81	62	.566	Lost Championship, 2–3 (Zephyrs)	Rick Reed (Most Valuable Pitcher) Robert E. Rich Jr. (CEO of the Year) Buffalo Bisons (Baseball America Bob Freitas Award)
1992			Marc Bombard	1st	87	57	.604	Lost Championship, 0–4 (89ers)	Kevin Young (Rookie of the Year) Marc Bombard (Manager of the Year) Buffalo Bisons (President's Award)
1993			Doc Edwards	2nd	71	73	.493	Did not qualify
1994				8th	55	89	.382
1995			Brian Graham	2nd	86	62	.569	Won semi-finals, 3–1 (Royals) Lost Championship, 2–3 (Redbirds)
1996		East		1st	84	60	.583	Lost semi-finals, 2–3 (Indians)
1997				1st	87	57	.604	Won semi-finals, 3–2 (Indians) Won Championship, 3–0 (Cubs)
1998	IL	North	Jeff Datz	1st	81	62	.566	Won semi-finals, 3–0 (SkyChiefs) Won Championship, 3–2 (Bulls) Lost World Series, 1–3 (Zephyrs)
1999				4th	72	72	.500	Did not qualify
2000			Joel Skinner	1st	86	59	.593	Won one-game playoff, 7–1 (Red Barons) Lost semi-finals, 1–3 (Red Barons)	Joel Skinner (Manager of the Year)
2001			Eric Wedge	1st	91	51	.641	Lost semi-finals, 2–3 (Red Barons)	Eric Wedge (Manager of the Year) Buffalo Bisons (Baseball America Bob Freitas Award)
2002				2nd	84	54	.609	Won semi-finals, 3–0 (Red Barons) Lost Championship, 0–3 (Bulls)
2003			Marty Brown	3rd	73	70	.510	Did not qualify
2004				1st	83	61	.576	Won semi-finals, 3–2 (Bulls) Won Championship, 3–1 (Braves)	Jhonny Peralta (MVP) Marty Brown (Manager of the Year)
2005				1st	82	62	.569	Lost semi-finals, 2–3 (Indians)
2006			Torey Lovullo	3rd	73	68	.518	Did not qualify
2007				3rd	75	67	.569
2008				5th	66	77	.462
2009			Ken Oberkfell	6th	56	87	.392
2010				3rd	76	68	.528
2011			Tim Teufel	5th	61	82	.427
2012			Wally Backman	6th	67	76	.469
2013			Marty Brown	3rd	74	70	.514
2014			Gary Allenson	3rd	77	66	.538
2015				3rd	68	76	.472		Matt Hague (MVP)
2016				5th	66	78	.458
2017			Bobby Meacham	5th	65	76	.461
2018				6th	61	77	.442
2019				3rd	71	69	.507
2020			Ken Huckaby	Season cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic)
2021	AAAE	Northeast	Casey Candaele	1st	79	47	.627	No playoffs held	Casey Candaele (Manager of the Year)
2022	IL	East	Casey Candaele Jeff Ware	4th	76	72	.514	Did not qualify
2023			Casey Candaele	5th	76	72	.514
2024				10th	68	80	.459
Total	—	—	—	—	3294	3108	.515	15–38 (.283)	—

Radio and television

Sahlen Field press box

Pete Weber

Bisons Baseball Network produces all radio broadcasts of Buffalo Bisons games. Their flagship station since 2009 has been WWKB, a clear-channel station in Buffalo. Select games are simulcast on WGR in Buffalo and CJCL in Toronto. Games were previously carried by WUFO/WXRL (1983), WEBR (1984), WBEN (1985–1988) and WGR (1989–2008).

Live video streams of all Buffalo Bisons games have aired on the MiLB.TV subscription service since 2013, and free via the Bally Live app since 2023.^[25] Select games have been televised on WNYO since 2023.^[26] Games were previously televised on WNYB (1988–1989, 1996), Empire Sports Network (1991–1995, 1997–2004), Time Warner Cable SportsNet (2007–2016), Spectrum Sports (2017) and WNLO (2019–2022).^[27]

Pat Malacaro has served as the team's play-by-play announcer since 2018.^[28] Pete Weber served as play-by-play announcer from 1983 to 1995, and is the current play-by-play announcer for the Nashville Predators. Jim Rosenhaus served as play-by-play announcer from 1996 to 2006, and is the current play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Guardians. Ben Wagner served as play-by-play announcer from 2007 to 2017, and is the current play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Orioles, after serving 6 years as play-by-play announcer of the Toronto Blue Jays.^{[29][30][31][32]}

Duke McGuire has served as the team's color commentator since 1996, and previously worked as the team's in-stadium public address announcer from 1979 to 1995.^[33] John Murphy served as color commentator from 1985 to 1988, and is the current play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Bills. Greg Brown served as color commentator from 1989 to 1993, and is the current play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Weber, McGuire and Rosenhaus were inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame for their broadcast work.

Culture

Mascots

Clockwise from upper left: WCC mascot race, Tom "Conehead" Girot, Buster T. Bison

Donald Palmer was an acrobatic batboy who performed for the Buffalo Bisons as "The Butcher" from 1979 to 1988.^[34]

Earl Howze, Jr. was a beer vendor who performed for the Buffalo Bisons as "The Earl of Bud" from 1979 to 1997. He was known for dancing to the song "Tequila" atop the venue's dugouts, with a routine similar to the one made famous by Paul Reubens in the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure.^[35] The Buffalo Bisons honored him at an August 2012 game, with every fan in attendance receiving a bobblehead of his likeness.^[36] Howze, Jr. also performed for the Buffalo Sabres at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.

Tom Girot is a beer vendor who has performed for the Buffalo Bisons as "Conehead" since 1979.^[37] The Buffalo Bisons honored him at a July 2018 game, with a beer launched in his likeness called Conehead IPA by Resurgence Brewing Company.^[38] Girot has also performed for the Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field and the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Field.^[39][40]

Buster T. Bison has been the official mascot of the Buffalo Bisons since 1983.^[41] He was later joined by his cousin Chip in 1994, and his future wife Belle in 2006.^[42][43]

Tracey B. Wilson was an actress who performed for the Buffalo Bisons as the mime "Loud Mouth" from 1993 to 1999.^[44]

Buffalo Bisons games since 2011 have featured the Wing, Cheese & Carrot (WCC) mascot race between costumed representations of various local foods just prior to the sixth-inning.^[45]

Music

"Stampede" has been the official fight song of the Buffalo Bisons since their inaugural season at Sahlen Field in 1988.

Tina Turner's recording of "The Best" is played after every Buffalo Bisons home victory at Sahlen Field.^[46][47]

A parody of the Gary Glitter song "Rock and Roll Part 2" featuring lyrics referencing Irv Weinstein was played at Sahlen Field during the seventh-inning stretch of Buffalo Bisons games in the 1990s.^[48]